42 U.S.C. § 17391 — Voluntary state, regional, and local electricity distribution planning

(a) In general. If a state^*, regional organization, or electric utility asks, the Secretary^* of Energy must help it build state, regional, or local electricity distribution plans by: (1) assessing and analyzing future demand and distribution needs; and (2) developing open-source tools for planning and operations.

(b) Risk and security analysis. The assessment in (a)(1) must include: (1) evaluating the physical security, cybersecurity, and communications needs of an advanced distribution management system and of integrating distributed energy resources; and (2) using grid architecture analysis to study risks across all hazards, including communications infrastructure, control systems, and power systems.

(c) Designation. Information collected for this assessment: (1) counts as critical electric infrastructure information under section 824o-1 of title 16; and (2) can only be released following the rules for that section.

(d) Technical assistance. To help build these plans, the Secretary must give technical assistance to: (1) states; (2) regional reliability entities; and (3) other owners and operators of distribution assets.

(e) Withdrawal. A state or other entity that asked for help can withdraw the request at any time; once it does, the Secretary must stop all assistance.

(f) Effect. Nothing in this section lets the Secretary force any state, regional organization, regional reliability entity, or asset owner^* or operator to adopt any model, tool, plan, analysis, or assessment.